George Orwell and Nineteen Eighty-Four

This course will introduce you to the work and writings of George Orwell through a study of his novel Nineteen Eighty-Four (1984). By studying the book, well-known for its depiction of a totalitarian state, and the techniques, language and oppressive methods used by such states, you will gain a wider understanding of the meaning of totalitarianism. The course will also explore the influences on Orwell, the historical context in which the novel was written, and the book’s relevance for today’s politics.You are encouraged to read Nineteen Eighty-Four while taking the course and explore its meanings through the use of activities.This OpenLearn course is produced in association with The Open University course DD316 Modern political ideas.

• Introduction
• Learning outcomes
• 1 Orwell’s route to Nineteen Eighty-Four
• 1 Orwell’s route to Nineteen Eighty-Four
• 2 Who was George Orwell?
• 2 Who was George Orwell?
• 2.1 Orwell and socialism
• 3 Summary of Nineteen Eighty-Four
• 3 Summary of Nineteen Eighty-Four
• 4 The publication of Nineteen Eighty-Four
• 4 The publication of Nineteen Eighty-Four
• 5 The language of Nineteen Eighty-Four
• 5 The language of Nineteen Eighty-Four
• 6 The continuing relevance of Nineteen Eighty-Four
• 6 The continuing relevance of Nineteen Eighty-Four
• 6.1 Surveillance
• 6.2 Free speech
• 6.3 Post-truth
• 7 Orwell and totalitarianism
• 7 Orwell and totalitarianism
• Conclusion
• References
• Further reading
• Acknowledgements